Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said empowering women economically is a catalyst to positive change, saying his government won’t relent in its commitment to the empowerment of women and their capacity development in the state.
Sanwo-Olu who spoke at the 2024 International Women’s Day celebration in Lagos on Friday organized by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation said his government has made significant strides in capacity development with over 100,000 women empowered on various skills, through both short and long term vocation programmes.
“We believe that empowering them economically is a catalyst to positive change. We know and our state recognises and appreciates the roles of women as mothers, as sisters, care givers, among others. It is therefore necessary for them to be accorded their rightful place in the scheme of life,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He explained at the event with the theme,’’ Count Her In . Accelerating Gender Equality Through Economic Empowerment #Inspire Inclusion, ‘’ that his government is working to create an environment where all individuals have the opportunity to contribute, participate and thrive irrespective of gender, ethnic or cultural affiliation.
According to him, “gender equality is a fundamental aspect of social inclusion and our administration is dedicated to advancing rights of women and girls in Lagos State, that’s why we are relentlessly investing in various developmental and empowerment programmes geared towards promoting gender equality, combating discrimination and gender based violence.
“As we celebrate the International Women’s Day today, we reiterate our commitment to invest more in the development and welfare of women and the girl child because we know that we cannot attain our full potential as a state if a significant part of our population is left behind.”
“Your hard work, resilience and dedication even in the face of challenges is unquantifiable and we shall continue to support you to overcome the challenges hindering the attainment of your individual and collective goals,” the Governor said.
In her remarks, the wife of the governor, Dr. ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said women must be awake to the challenge of societal demands by being responsive.
Earlier, the state’s Commissioner for Women and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecilia Dada said the theme is “a call to action that resonates deeply with the core values of empowerment, equality and inclusiveness that we uphold in Lagos State.
“As the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Lagos State, I am proud to witness the incredible strides that women have made in the society. Women are the backbone of our communities, driving change, innovation and progress in every aspect of life,” she said.
